South Carolina General Assembly
114th Session, 2001-2002

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Bill 401

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INTRODUCED

March 1, 2001

    S. 401

Introduced by Senator Fair

S. Printed 3/1/01--S.

Read the first time March 1, 2001.

            

A SENATE RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT ANY GOVERNMENT POLICY OR ACTION TO SUPPRESS PRAYER IS TANTAMOUNT TO A LAW PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE OF RELIGION AND COULD THEREFORE BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

Whereas, in addition to providing that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States also provides that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise thereof; and

Whereas, the elected representatives of the people of South Carolina, other states of the United States, and in the Congress of the United States are privileged to begin each legislative day with prayer led by a chaplain and conducted in a public forum, all of which is paid for and maintained by public funds and the tax dollars of all of the citizens of this State, other states, and of the United States; and

Whereas, just as the elected representatives of the American people are privileged to begin the public business and their daily endeavors with prayer conducted in public buildings representing the seat of government and in forums where the business of government is conducted, so also the American people who elect these representatives are, and by right ought to be, free to enjoy the privileges practiced by their elected representatives by beginning their business and daily endeavors, whether public or private, whether on the public square, in public playgrounds and parks, in public buildings, or on private property with prayer and the free exercise of their religion. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate, by this resolution, express the sense of the Senate that any government policy or action to suppress prayer is tantamount to a law prohibiting the free exercise of religion and could therefore be unconstitutional.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the President of every state college and university in South Carolina.

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